The Haven
Healing Centre
The Orchard
Draycott Rd, Cheddar
Somerset
The Haven |
|
| Natural Complementary Therapies - your key to improved health and well-being | |
|
Home About Contact Gift Solutions Articles Treatments Products Page: 1 2 3 4 5 Appointments |
Treatment Opportunities for Colostomy PatientsSafe and Effective Treatments Available for Stoma Bag WearersA colostomy bag needn't cause you to stay at home. Adapted treatments now at The Haven Healing CentreDo you miss out on treatment because you wear a colostomy bag? There is little else I can think of that is worse, or even compares, to being told you have to have your colon redirected to a hole in your belly, so you can shit in a bag. Can you? 
According to the NHS website, this surgical procedure is performed on thousands of patients a year, because of colon cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or some other reason.It is estimated there are 120,000 ostomates living in the UK, of which 65,000 are colostomates, 45,000 are ileostomates and 10,000 are urostomates. Approximately 21,000 temporary and permanent stoma operations are performed each year of which 6,500 are permanent colostomies. These figures show that colostomies are rarely permanent and are normally reversed following a period of recovery. Once the original reason for the stoma has healed, what remains is just a small scar. But it is during this phase of recovery that SOME patients find it difficult to adapt to wearing their bag. And sometimes, of course, it does become a permanent feature and addition in someone's life which must be dealt with. Even with a colostomy bag it is possible to enjoy life and to carry on in a reasonably normal manner if you want to. But that's not to say it is an easy thing to do and definitely not why I've written this article. Over the years, I have seen many patients at The Haven Healing Centre, who have needed to wear a colostomy bag. The thing I find odd, is that they tend to fall into one of two groups. Either they put up, shut up and get on with it, or everything goes wrong and their self-esteem goes down the plug hole. Those that decide this isn't going to ruin their lives continue to do whatever the hell they like, some even taking up new hobbies, often strangely dangerous things, like paragliding, or speed racing. For others, they lose their sense of humour, turn into a hermit, lose their self-respect, all of which have an effect on their relationships, their libido, their erectile function and their happiness as a human being.  And of course, none of this happens without some degree of pain, definitely physical pain, but sometimes mental too. There's no reason to be put off coming any longer One of the main reasons that patients with colostomy bags do not present for therapeutic treatments is because they find it really difficult to lie on their front. How many treatments can you think of that require you to lie face down? Quite a few I'm sure. Patients who would otherwise enjoy a massage, a back treatment or some other enjoyable therapeutic experience are put off and almost treat it as something to dread. Many therapists are put off by the idea of patients with extra 'needs'. Someone presenting with a stoma bag, or psoriasis, or cancer, or even an amputee can be a big no-no for the therapist who lives in their perfect little world of beauty and make-up. That's not what The Haven is about. Several years ago I started adapting treatments for ladies who were pregnant. It stands to reason that if you have a big bump in your belly, you can't lie face down for very long, if at all. It turns out that patients with Down's don't like lying on their front either. There may be lots of other patients who, for one reason or another, need special consideration. So every treatment I perform here at The Haven, has been adapted with these patients in mind, and that includes patients with a colostomy bag. Spinal Touch - Can now be performed with the patient lying on their side. Massage (aromatherapy, therapeutic, sports) - can all now be performed sitting up or with the patient on their side. Manual Lymphatic Drainage - again, the patient can be on their back or on their side. Reflexology - Of course, good old reflexology is performed while you lie back on a comfy couch anyway, so no adaption necessary. Please see the relevant pages for the treatments you require. Everyone sometimes gets a bad back, or sore limbs and tight or painful neck and shoulders. Edema is not unusual in patients who wear a colostomy bag. Putting off treatment nearly always makes a problem worse and painful for longer than necessary. Just bear in mind while you look at the treatment pages, I will be treating you in a way that is comfortable for you, with your consent and involvement. I don't want you to worry about any of the details, just come along and enjoy the experience, and take home the benefits of a therapeutic treatment tailored around you. For my part, the important thing that I have needed to consider, and think I have achieved, is that the treatment must be at least as productive, and at least as beneficial, as if the patient were in the more normal position for treatment. My message to you is simple. More and more people are coming to realize that regardless of any current circumstances, treatment is the best way forward to a more comfortable future. If this idea resonates with you, I invite you to visit The Haven Healing Centre in Cheddar for a course of treatments, conveniently spaced to suit your budget and availability. Appointments and advice are available by clicking here. I look forward to welcoming you soon. Phil. Please share this page with your friends. Thank you.
Note: DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. It's a small investment in yourself, but could be a life-changing experience you will cherish forever. |
| Copyright © Philip Chave 2010- TheHavenHealingCentre.co.uk All rights reserved. Email: privacy |